HORIWOOD’S JOSEPHINE BAKER TRIBUTE

It’s tribute time on Horiwood.Com. And today, it’s time to reflect back on an International artist in Josephine Baker.

Not only was Josephine Baker a consumate dancer and performer, but she was also an African-American activist whose message of hope to America aroud the world, still inspires people globally today, including First Lady Michelle Obama as well as performing singer, diva and ctress Beyonce Knowles.

Josephine Baker was born Freda Josephine MacDonald on June 3rd, 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri. In France she rose to fame in the 1920s as an entertainer, actress, and dancer.

In the US she performed at the legendary Cotton Club and in France she appeared in Folies Bergere. This production is where Josephine’s memorable banana skirt and “suggestive” dancing style became a worldwide sensation.

Bakers appearance in silent films, Siren of the Tropics, ZouZou, and Princess Tam Tam are the ilk of Hollywood legend. Pablo Picasso, Christian Dior, Langston Hughes and Ernest Hemingway were all drawn to Josephine Baker, who they adored as their artistic muse.

Josephine became a French citizen in the late 1930s and increasingly grew in her role and passion as an activist for racial equality in the United States.

Like Angelina Jolie today, Josephine evolved a “Rainbow Tribe” family where she adopted and raised several children of various nationalities. She died in 1975 from a brain hemorrhage.

These video tributes today on Horiwood.Com show footage of Josephine Baker Dancing to Beyonce’s song De ja vu. And, in return show Beyonce Knowles tribute to her mentor Baker, when Beyonce dressed and danced as Baker in her legendary Fashion Rocks performance.

Enjoy and may Josephine’s message that all people are equal, remain with us today. 22 years after her death, Baker’s legacy shines on!